Ardabil

Ardabil is located in southwestern of Caspian Sea among a great plain on the hillside of Sabalan Mountain which is one of the most spectacular foothills in the world and also the Talesh mountain range that is the continuation of the Alborz Mountain. Ardabil height is about 1350 m above the sea level and 40 km far away from Iran and Republic of Azerbaijan border. Ardabil  is  a highland  and  enjoys  a  moderate  and  cool  climate  in  spring  and summer. Ardebil consists of 3 districts "Markazi", "Samanin", "Hir", 2 cities and 10 rural districts. The sources of mineral water, hot springs and the springs used for treatment are the economic sources of this city.

Also this city is well known as the first city with the potable water piping. Ardabil has a highly significant role in politic, industry, commerce, history and nature of this province. Most of the people who live in this city are occupied with agriculture and animal husbandry and the nomads in this area have a specific and important role in dairy and handicraft production. The handicrafts of this city include Gilim, Jajim, Shawl, Verny, Masnad, Pottery, Leather, rug and some kinds of local sweets. The minimal ethnic diversity lives in this city. In addition to Turkish people, Just 3 other nations such as Tat, Talesh and Kurd live in this area .Most of People speak Turkish in Azari dialect and they are Shia'.

Sheikh Safi al-Din Khanegah and Shrine Ensemble

Sheikh Safi al-Din (a famous poet and theosophist) Khanegah and Shrine Ensemble (Persian: آرامگاه شیخ صفی الدین اردبیلی) is one of Iran's UNESCO world heritage sites. It is located in Ardebil, Iran.  Sheikh Safi-al-Din Khanegah and Shrine Ensemble is the masterpiece of post-Islamic Iranian architecture that attracts many Iranians and non-Iranians to Ardebil. This site is registered as number 1345 on UNESCO world heritage lists. It built using traditional Iranian architecture (Ilkhanid & Timurid) and inspired by Sufism.

Sheikh Safi al-Din (the ancestor of Safavid kings) Khanegah and Shrine Ensemble, is the mausoleum of Sheikh Safi al-Din Ardabili, the ancestor of Safavid kings. It is an artistic and architectural masterpiece that was built commissioned by Sadr-al-din Musa, Sheikh's son. Other parts have been added to this complex in the early Safavid dynasty.
Allah Dome is referred to as the main building of Sheikh Safi al-din Khaneghah and Shrine Ensemble. This part has an octagonal structure with a turquoise blue dome. The word "Allah" has been repeated several times on it. The Tomb of Sheikh Safi al-Din Khānegāh and Shrine Ensemble is located under the dome. Shah Ismail, I (The First king of Safavid), his wife (Mother of Shah Tahmasp), some elders, officials, and victims of the Chaldiran battle are also entombed in this building.

Janat sera mosque, Qandil Khaneh, Chini Khaneh, Chelle Khaneh, Sharbat Khaneh, Shahid Gah (a graveyard for victims of Chaldiran battle), Haram Khaneh, and alcove (Shah Neshin) are the other sectors of the complex. A library, mosque, school, hospital, kitchen, bakery, and some administrative offices were added to this complex later.

Putting together many different and outstanding works of art including Mosaic tile Muqarnas, beautiful stucco inscriptions and the calligraphy of the great  Safavid artists, wood carving, Silversmith, Illuminated manuscript and Gilding, painting, Tong Bori, etc. is the remarkable feature of this resemble.

Sheikh Safi al-Din Khanegah and Shrine Ensemble consist of four yards: garden yard (the biggest one), the big yard of the complex, around which the collection of main buildings are located, small yard, between the garden yard and big yard, and finally south yard or Shahidgah.